Programs and Majors

Architecture

AS, CERTIFICATE

The architecture program offers students experience in architectural drafting, construction techniques, design, rendering, and energy systems as well as opportunities to develop skills necessary for employment in the professional field of architecture. Transfer programs are articulated with California State Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo, the University of California at Berkeley, and New School of Architecture and Design.

CRC

Construction

AS, CERTIFICATE

The Construction program prepares students for work in construction, remodeling, and energy auditing industries. Students train at the college and on real job sites. Traditional building practices are covered, but advanced framing techniques, energy efficiency, health and safety, and sustainability are emphasized. Course offerings promote career ladders for those just entering the industry as well as industry professionals looking to stay current.

CRC

Energy

CERTIFICATE

American River College's Energy program provides training in all aspects of solar photovoltaic (PV) system design, installation, troubleshooting, repair, cost estimation, and sales. The courses offered also qualify students to take the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) PV Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge Exam.

ARC

Geography & GIS

AA, AAT, AS, CERTIFICATE

Geography is the science of place and space. Geographers study the relationships among geographic places, natural systems, society, cultural activities, and the interdependence of all these over space.

There are two main branches of geography: human geography and physical geography. Human geography is concerned with the spatial aspects of human existence, such as how people and their activities are distributed over space, how people use and perceive space, and how people interact with the physical environment. Physical geographers study the physical elements and spatial processes that make up and shape the environment, including energy, air, water, weather, climate, landforms, soils, animals, plants, etc. Many aspects of geography are studied and analyzed using a variety of spatial technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and remotely-sensed imagery. These tools are becoming more and more commonplace throughout society.

Geographers also study the linkages between human activity and natural systems. Geographers were among the first scientists to sound the alarm that human-induced changes to the environment were beginning to threaten the balance of life itself. Geographers today are active in the study of diverse topics, such as global warming, desertification, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, groundwater pollution, flooding, origin and diffusion of disease, urban and regional planning, global trade, social problems (for example, poverty, ethnic conflict), and many more.

Physics

AS, AST

Physics is the study of the nature and properties of matter and energy. Distinguished from chemistry and biology, physics includes the study of mechanics, heat, light and other radiation, sound, electricity, magnetism, and the structure of atoms. Career opportunities for those who study physics include:

Architect
Astronomer
Astrophysicist
Biophysicist
Chemist
Computer scientist
Engineer
Geologist
Geophysicist
Physical chemist
Physicist
Meteorologist
Oceanographer